Land promotion
Our team works hard to find new ways to bring major residential and commercial schemes forward through planning, providing vital new homes and jobs. Come help us create the thriving places of tomorrow.
Our team works hard to find new ways to bring major residential and commercial schemes forward through planning, providing vital new homes and jobs. Come help us create the thriving places of tomorrow.

The best place to develop your career
We’re one of the largest and most experienced land promotion businesses in the sector. You’ll be joining a brilliant team, in a successful company with a proven track record in acquiring land and delivering valuable planning consents. We’ve been running for over 125 years and have the values of the Wates family behind us. It’s a big factor in why we have the best reputation in the business.
We offer lots of opportunities across different roles in a wide range of areas, such as land specialists, who find sites for the business. Other roles include land and planning managers who secure allocations and planning consent once the site is secured. There are also commercial land managers who acquire sites for the logistics sector, technical managers, and accountants.
We have strong development paths for those joining as a graduate and want to support people who are keen to progress. If you’re interested in a particular area, we’ll give you all the help you need to become a specialist. Whatever your ambitions, there are lots of different ways to achieve them. Join us, and we’ll make sure you and your career thrive.

Our people thrive
Whether you have sector experience, fancy a career change, or are returning to work after a break, we’d love to hear from you.
In Land, ideally, we’d like you to have a relevant degree in property, planning, business or geography. Above all, you should have a keen interest in land, planning, and development.
In terms of experience, you might have worked with a property agency, as a consultant, housebuilder, or property developer. The most important thing is you need to be very personable, as it’s all about relationships and contacts. Someone who is externally presentable and can embody what Wates is all about.
Testimonials
Development Management Trainee
"I joined Wates with no prior industry experience, and it has been an incredible journey. Through the graduate scheme I worked in the Project team supporting the promotion of land through planning. I am also an active member of the Wates Women and Allies Steering Committee which I’ve gained invaluable insights from. Wates' dedication to excellence and innovative solutions have accelerated my learning curve while allowing me to expand my professional network. Their supportive culture and emphasis on development have made each challenge manageable and rewarding. I wholeheartedly recommend Wates for anyone seeking a dynamic career path with growth and opportunity.”
Partnership Director
Location: Finsbury Park
Job Type: Operational
Application Deadline: 31-03-2026
✨ Strategic Partnership Director📍 National Role ¦ £100m+ Maintenance Portfolio ¦ Senior LeadershipReady to shape the future of our multi‑contract Maintenance division? We’re looking for a visionary Strategic Partnership Director to lead a £100m+ operation, drive sustainable growth, and deliver outstanding customer outcomes. 🚀What you’ll do:🔹 Lead long‑term growth strategy & expand into new markets🔹 Oversee operational delivery across R&M, Planned, NZC, Heating & Compliance🔹 Sponsor major mobilisations, transitions & transformation programmes🔹 Inspire a high‑performing team of c.300 people 💼🔹 Strengthen customer partnerships & exceed KPIs/NPS🔹 Champion innovation, digital transformation & continuous improvement 💡🔹 Own divisional P&L, financial performance & risk management🔹 Embed strong governance, compliance & SHE leadership 🌱What you’ll bring:✔ Senior leadership experience in Maintenance/Property Services/Social Housing✔ Proven P&L ownership & growth track record✔ Strategic, commercially sharp & digitally forward-thinking✔ Inspirational people leadership & excellent stakeholder engagement✔ IOSH/NEBOSH and ideally degree‑qualified✔ Passion for innovation, inclusion, wellbeing & delivering great outcomes ❤️If you’re a strategic thinker, a relationship builder, and a leader who looks for a better way… we’d love to hear from you! 🌟Click Apply Now to submit your application and join our WPS team 🙌
Project Manager
Location: Saffron Walden
Job Type: Engineering
Application Deadline: 17-03-2026
Project ManagerLocation: CambridgeReports To: Head of ProjectsAbout the RoleWe are seeking an experienced and highly organised Project Manager to oversee a variety of critical projects for our client in Cambridge. This is a key role responsible for taking projects from feasibility through to successful completion, ensuring all work meets agreed timescales, quality standards, safety requirements, and contractual deliverables. You will be the central point of coordination for planning, monitoring, reporting, and driving project performance—working closely with operational teams, technical specialists, and senior stakeholders.The ideal candidate will bring strong project leadership, a proactive mindset, and the ability to manage multiple, complex workstreams in a business‑critical environment.Key Responsibilities Manage all aspects of project delivery from feasibility to completion, following our processes and documentation standards. Produce project plans, scheduling milestones, assigning responsibilities, and coordinating resources. Maintain and regularly review project programmes, identifying resource requirements early. Lead project monitoring, status meetings, and progress reporting to the FM Board. Identify and manage risks, issues, and constraints, ensuring early escalation and mitigation. Work closely with operational teams to support and coordinate change management activities. Define or support the creation of acceptance criteria for deliverables and ensure stakeholder approval. Prepare and maintain documentation including reports, schedules, agendas, minutes, and communication logs. Analyse and manage business disruption factors and operational impacts. Ensure project quality standards and compliance are met. Close out projects effectively, including lessons‑learned reviews and end‑of‑project reports. Use tools such as Gantt charts, spreadsheets, and project management systems to organise workflows. Communicate clearly and professionally with clients, contractors, and internal teams.Essential Qualifications Project Management qualification (Prince2). Membership with IOSH (or equivalent).Desirable Qualifications Experience with CAFM and reporting systems Technical training such as: City & Guilds (Electrical or Mechanical disciplines), or NVQ Level 2–3 (Electrical/Mechanical). 18th Edition Electrical qualification. Electrical or mechanical apprenticeship.Essential Experience Working in a managerial role with strong project management responsibility. Facilities Management background Strong competence in planning, forecasting, and change management procedures. Proven ability to produce clear, structured project plans and reports. Ability to identify, manage, and mitigate risks. Experience coordinating core engineering or technical projects. Ability to deliver against strict timescales and maintain high documentation standards. Skilled in leading focused, productive project meetings.Desirable Experience Practical experience with Microsoft Project and other Microsoft packages. Prior experience managing business systems, reporting tools, or CAFM platforms. Experience supporting business‑led transformations.Skills & Personal Attributes Strong verbal and written communication skills. Professional, client‑focused attitude. Ability to understand and interpret client requirements. Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills. Adaptable, flexible, and calm under pressure. Effective problem‑solver with attention to detail. Reliable, results‑driven and well‑presented.Given the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at offer stage. Applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually, and we assure you that we do not discriminate based on an applicant's criminal record or the details of any disclosed offenses. Additionally, certain roles may be subject to additional pre-employment checks. To learn more about the checks included in this process, please click on the following link: National Security Vetting
Project Manager
Location: Leeds
Job Type: Engineering
Application Deadline: 17-03-2026
Project ManagerLocation: LeedsReports To: Head of ProjectsAbout the OpportunityWe are looking for a proactive and experienced Project Manager to support the delivery of key projects for one of our major clients in Leeds.In this role, you will lead projects from initial feasibility right through to final handover, ensuring all activities are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned to our quality and compliance standards. You will be at the heart of planning, coordination, communication, and governance—working closely with operational leaders, technical specialists, and client stakeholders.We are seeking someone with excellent organisational skills, a strong grasp of risk and change management, and the confidence to drive projects forward in a business‑critical environment.Key Responsibilities Develop and manage all project documentation, from initial scopes to completion records. Produce and maintain detailed project programmes, timelines, and resource schedules. Lead progress reporting, chair status meetings, and keep senior stakeholders informed. Identify risks, issues, and potential delays, implementing mitigation strategies early. Coordinate with operational teams on change management activities and business impacts. Ensure all project deliverables meet agreed quality, compliance, and acceptance standards. Support decision‑making by providing clear, structured reports, documentation, and forecasts. Manage project close‑out activities, including lessons‑learned reviews and final reporting. Use appropriate project management tools such as Gantt charts, spreadsheets, and system‑based workflows. Maintain clear, professional communication with clients, colleagues, and suppliers.Essential Qualifications Project Management qualification (Prince2). IOSH membership or equivalent safety qualification.Desirable Qualifications Experience using CAFM platforms and reporting systems. Relevant technical training such as: City & Guilds in Electrical/Electronic or Mechanical disciplines NVQ Level 2–3 (Electrical/Mechanical) 18th Edition Electrical qualification Engineering or technical apprenticeship background.Essential Experience Experience in a management‑level project role within a business‑critical environment. Strong capability in planning, forecasting, and coordinating complex project activity. Proven experience in risk management and producing clear, structured project documentation. Experience leading engineering‑related or technical projects. Ability to deliver to strict deadlines while maintaining high documentation standards. Confident chairing meetings and keeping discussions on track.Desirable Experience Experience in a critical or high‑stakes operational environment. Knowledge of Microsoft Project and wider Microsoft Office tools. Experience managing business systems and reporting processes. Exposure to transformation or change‑led programmes. CAFM/reporting system experience.Skills & Personal Attributes Strong communicator with excellent written and verbal skills. Client‑focused with a professional and confident manner. Highly organised with the ability to prioritise effectively. Adaptable, calm under pressure, and solutions‑driven. Strong attention to detail and documentation accuracy. Reliable, results‑oriented, and committed to high standards.Given the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at offer stage. Applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually, and we assure you that we do not discriminate based on an applicant's criminal record or the details of any disclosed offenses. Additionally, certain roles may be subject to additional pre-employment checks. To learn more about the checks included in this process, please click on the following link: National Security Vetting
Assistant Land Manager
Location: Leatherhead
Job Type: Land Management / Acquisition
Application Deadline: 16-03-2026
Wates Group have an opportunity for an Assistant Land Manager to join our Wates Developments team in Leatherhead.The Wates Developments land team identify land suitable for residential & mixed-use development and promote sites through the planning system with a view to securing a valuable planning consent. Our business holds a large and growing portfolio of potential residential development land and our team focuses on securing valuable planning consents in sustainable locations, throughout Southern England, South West and the Midlands.Reporting into the Land Director, you will help identify, investigate, appraise and secure interests in land navigating the legal, technical and financial process.ABOUT THE ROLEAs an Assistant Land Manager, you will: Establish and maintain good working relationships with land agents and landowners. Prepare initial planning appraisals, undertake due diligence enquiries and prepare viability assessments on new site opportunities. Assist the Land Team with preparing offers and bids. Negotiate and secure Option, Promotion or Hybrid agreements on competitive terms. Represent Wates Developments in a professional capacity to high standards at all times. Demonstrate a clear strategy for new opportunities collaborating with other members of the land team. Manage information flow between relevant parties internally and externally. Support the learning and development of other members of the land team where relevant.To be successful in the role you will have a good knowledge of land acquisition, the planning system, development and planning appraisals, financial viability assessments as well as the legal aspects of promotion, option and hybrid agreements as well as other aspects of land law relating to land rights.Alongside this you will be an active networker with effective communication skills and the ability to identify the right opportunities which will provide the necessary return on investment.WHAT WE OFFER Competitive salary & profit share scheme Car Allowance/Company Car Flexible working Travel covered to any of our sites (subject to HMRC advisory rates) Extensive corporate benefits including, Private Medical, Pension 8% employers’ contribution, Health and Wellness programme, 26 days holidays + bank holidays and much more… One of the best learning and development programmes which is customizable to support your career progression goals. (c.7000 training sessions delivered year to date across the Wates Group) Industry leading family leave benefits to included 26 weeks fully paid maternity, 8 weeks fully paid paternity.To find out more about LIFE AT WATES please click on the following link https://www.wates.co.uk/careers/